The AEW Dynamite episode had high expectations following the ALL OUT event - dubbed as one of the most important pay-per-views in pro wrestling in the last couple of decades.
There were high expectations and AEW delivered on virtually all fronts. Instead of choosing to look back and relive the glory of ALL OUT, this episode of AEW Dynamite felt like a fresh page, with several new rivalries beginning.
Since it won't be included on this list, a shoutout to hometown hero Jon Moxley who defeated Minoru Suzuki in a hard-hitting main event ainCincinnati.
Of course, quite a few storylines have continued, but there were largely big changes that happened on the episode this week. Here's what AEW subtly told us on Dynamite this week:
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#6. AEW isn't beating around the bush with Bryan Danielson
Bryan Danielson only made his second AEW appearance on Dynamite this week and he has jumped right into the main storyline. Unlike many other stars, there was no reference to his past with WWE; there was no cheesy promo about how "happy" he was to be there and nothing close to what is normally seen with huge debuts.
This week on AEW Dynamite, The Elite came out, and AEW World Champion Kenny Omega introduced Adam Cole -- who made his Dynamite debut. It was a great promo from Cole as well, but Omega was interrupted by none other than Bryan Danielson.
While we will admit that we were a bit surprised to see this confrontation so early, it was a surreal moment and the crowd was eating it up. When Danielson teased facing Omega, the AEW crowd went wild.
It's a dream match of the highest order and it seems like AEW is wasting no time in inserting Danielson into the main world title feud. This doesn't mean that he is going to come in and instantly dethrone Omega.
However, it's a big statement to make for the company right as he makes his entry. As for his character, one thing seems clear -- Bryan Danielson isn't the lovable underdog that fans knew him as for years in WWE. He's a world-class talent and is acknowledged that way.
While 'The American Dragon' got the LaBell lock on Kenny Omega, The Elite outside the ring quickly swarmed him. It was the Jurassic Express, Christian, and Frankie Kazarian who made the save, with a big 10-man tag team match likely set to be booked soon.
It's a refreshing change and we can only imagine that Danielson is a big fan of that idea himself.
#5. Dark Order continues to disintegrate on AEW Dynamite
The issues within The Dark Order have been persisting for some time in AEW, but this week made things worse. John Silver, Evil Uno, and Stu Grayson took on FTR & Shawn Spears, who had Tully Blanchard at ringside.
Before their Trios Match on AEW Dynamite, they were seen arguing backstage. It was Anna Jay who had to call an intervention and try to smooth things over. In the match itself, there was a further implosion within The Dark Order. While The Pinnacle's "isolation" strategy helped them get the win, it was The Dark Order's miscommunication that caused all the havoc.
The faction started to implode in the ring post-match and they continued to tease a break-up on AEW Dynamite.
#4. Ruby Soho has her AEW Dynamite debut and a big feud ahead
Ruby Soho had an open challenge for her AEW Dynamite debut and it was Britt Baker's sidekick Jamie Hayter who accepted. While the match was slightly botchy, Soho picked up the victory.
She was beaten down post-match on AEW Dynamite, but it was former Women's Champion Riho and then Kris Statlander who made the save - setting up a six-woman tag team match for Dynamite next week.
Soho is off to a big start in AEW, although she doesn't seem to be positioned as the woman to dethrone Britt Baker.
#3. Malakai Black's path of destruction to come full circle on AEW Dynamite
Cody Rhodes hasn't been seen on AEW programming since his loss to Malakai Black. Since then, Black has been on a rampage (no pun intended), picking up win after win.
This past week on Dynamite, Malakai Black extended his undefeated streak as he defeated Dustin Rhodes. He had beaten Brock Anderson and Lee Johnson in weeks prior.
It will all come full circle in two weeks time as Cody Rhodes returns to seek retribution against Malakai Black. Will Black be able to extend his vicious run against one of the faces of AEW?
#2. MJF begins a new feud
MJF was understandably in disbelief on AEW Dynamite following his loss to Chris Jericho at ALL OUT. He claimed that his loss to Jericho was only due to a bias against him.
He even went on to insult Brian Pillman Jr's sister and even called his mother "Methanie" (Melanie). Once MJF made a comment about an abortion, Pillman Jr. had enough and the brawl began. His fellow Varisty Blond member Griff Garrison tried to save him from MJF and Wardlow but couldn't.
This is going to be an interesting new rivalry, and hopefully, it plays out for a while on AEW Dynamite rather than ending with a one-off.
#1. CM Punk's first "traditional" feud in AEW begins
While one could argue that CM Punk's first AEW feud was against Darby Allin, it certainly didn't feel that way. It felt like more of a call-out and a one-off match between two top babyfaces that was meant to get CM Punk over more on his debut.
It worked out, and CM Punk arrived on Dynamite this week. He was interrupted by Taz on commentary, who told him not to call out any members of Team Taz. Powerhouse Hobbs and Hook were by his side, and CM Punk told Taz to give him Ricky Starks.
CM Punk laid out an incredible challenge to all four members of Team Taz. While it's unlikely that he iwillface Taz anytime soon on AEW programming, we expect a proper face vs heel feud to begin against the other three members at some point.
CM Punk vs Ricky Starks seems to be the match that AEW could be targeting as the next big match for The Best In The World.